Shannon Sharpe calls out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for foul-baiting: 'I’ve caught fish that flopped less'
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Shannon Sharpe calls out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for foul-baiting: 'I’ve caught fish that flopped less' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one win away from a return to the NBA Finals, and with every Thunder win seems to come a fresh wave of flopping criticism for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
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Pro Football Hall of Famer-turned-pundit Shannon Sharpe is the latest to take a dig at the two-time MVP, as he called Gilgeous-Alexander out for flopping after a Game 5 victory that included 17 free throw attempts.
Half of Gilgeous-Alexander's 32 points came from free throws in a 13-point win, though Victor Wembanyama wasn't too far behind with 12 free throw attempts for the Spurs.
Here's a look at Sharpe's one-liner aimed at the Thunder star.
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Shannon Sharpe calls out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's flopping
Appearing on his "Night Cap" podcast alongside former NFL WR Chad Johnson and former NBA forward Joe Johnson, Sharpe called out Gilgeous-Alexander for flopping.
"I ain’t gon' lie, I’ve caught fish that flopped less than Shai," Sharpe said. "And I didn't even know they was alive when I pulled they a— out of the water."
Shannon Sharpe after SGA got 17 free throws in game 5:
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) May 27, 2026
“I ain’t gon lie, I’ve caught fish that flopped less than Shai” 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/J52eF1PPmT
The line got a laugh out of Joe Johnson, but Sharpe didn't appear to be joking. He certainly isn't the only one frustrated with Gilgeous-Alexander's style of play, as fans and pundits alike have criticized the back-to-back MVP for the way he sells fouls.
Gilgeous-Alexander's 17 free throw attempts in Game 5 against the Spurs were a series-high and tied a playoff-high from this Thunder run. "SGA" went to the line for only seven attempts in Game 4 and six in Game 2. Tuesday marked the sixth time in 14 playoff games this spring that Gilgeous-Alexander attempted double-digit free throws.